Wynne Gray: Rutledge's vintage should be no barrier

Thorn fits the saying that old age is not so bad when you consider the alternatives. Photo / Getty Images

Either side of the Tasman, a couple of locks continue to be poster boys for senior sportsmen.

If Brad Thorn plays against Wales on the upcoming tour he will overtake Richard Loe and John Ashworth and tuck in behind Frank Bunce as the third oldest All Black.

Thorn is getting on at 37 but would have to go through to the 2015 World Cup to challenge Ned Hughes, who played two tests in 1921 after he had blown out 40 candles. Thorn seems to be someone who fits the saying that old age is not so bad when you consider the alternative.

Across the Ditch, lock Van Humphries, at 34, is about to head away with the Wallabies on their end-of-year tour. If he plays a test, he will slaughter the previous mark for the oldest Wallaby, set by the 31-year-old Stan Pilecki. Humphries has played all over the world, including a stint with North Harbour, and it was that experience, according to Robbie Deans, which gave him the advantage over several other uncapped locks.

Which, in a roundabout way, brings us to Jason Rutledge.

Old bullet-head has surged past 100 games for Southland and showed great tenacity, drive and accuracy in his specific tasks and general play. He will be 33 in December - but his powers show no signs of decay.

Indeed you could argue he is improving with each season.

But mention his name as a possible All Black candidate and the reaction is generally unfavourable. Too old, you hear; past his use-by date, not a good investment. All I'll say is Brad Thorn.

If Rutledge is good enough he should be considered, his age is irrelevant.

And it's not as if the country is flush with those wearing the No2 jersey.

Keven Mealamu, who is heading towards his 32nd birthday, has been cotton-woolled for the tour because of a calf injury and there are fears about injuries to other candidates.

Andrew Hore has been ruled out of a comeback today for Taranaki and there are doubts whether he will be ready to return from his shoulder surgery next weekend; Corey Flynn has torn a calf muscle and Aled de Malmanche has an adductor muscle problem.

There are obvious efforts to get prop John Afoa up to some speed so he can fill in, but the All Blacks will need a specialist deputy to tour with Mealamu.

If Hore and his mates are ruled out, Hika Elliot must come into the discussions, perhaps Dane Coles - so why not Rutledge?